Last season, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos had a historic offense, scoring nearly 38 points per game and gaining over 450 yards per game. The Broncos had by far the best offense in the entire NFL, and very few teams could slow them down. Unfortunately, their defense played average at best, and was largely covered up by the Broncos' historic offense. Denver allowed over 350 yards and 25 points per game last season, and was awful in pass defense. During the 2013 regular season, the Denver Broncos allowed over 250 passing yards per game, and was in the bottom ten teams in every major category. Only adding to their secondary issues, the Broncos are expected to lose five defensive backs to free agency, including their first three cornerbacks on the depth chart. The defense is also being depleted by free agency at the linebacker position, with multiple starters from last year being expected to leave. Although it is only a minor issue for the team, Denver could also add depth on the defensive line, to provide Peyton Manning with as much time as possible. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos do not have a large amount of spending money, with only $17.9 million in cap space. This is not enough money to retain all of their key free agents, but is enough to sign a few decent players during free agency. During free agency, I'm expecting the Denver Broncos to add as much talent to this defense as possible, especially within the back seven. If the Broncos can sign good players on the defensive side of the ball, this team will be primed for another Super Bowl run.
After finishing the 2012 season with an awful 2-14 record, the Kansas City Chiefs were turned around in one season, earning an 11-5 record and a playoff spot in 2013. Although the team did not end last season well, the Chiefs were nearly unstoppable in the beginning of the season, with an outstanding defense and well-balanced offense. Like the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City is a very solid and deep football team, with talent on nearly every level. Even though they have a very balanced roster, there are some areas where the Chiefs can improve. Most importantly, the Kansas City passing game could use major improvement. Statistically, the Chiefs are very pedestrian in the offensive passing game, finishing about average in every major category, meaning that this team needs more talent at the reciever position to compliment Alex Smith and a struggling Dwayne Bowe. The team is also expected to lose six pass-catchers to free agency during this off-season, which only increases the need at this position. In addition to this major issue, the Kansas City Chiefs could also use some more depth along the offensive line and defense to replenish their depth chart. Despite a big need at receiver, the organization only has $9.7 million in cap space, so I would not expect any big moves from this team during free agency. If the Kansas City Chiefs can add a talented receiver or tight end to this roster, I believe that this team has a chance to steal the AFC West division title from the Denver Broncos.
By the end of the 2013 NFL season, the San Diego Chargers had shocked the nation by winning their final four games and barely sneaking into the AFC playoffs. The Chargers even upset the Cincinnati Bengals on the road during the playoffs, showing that San Diego can play as well as some of the best teams in the AFC. Despite drastically improving from their 2012 season, the San Diego Chargers still have multiple holes to fill on their roster. One of the major problems last season was on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary. The Chargers allowed 260 yards passing per game, as well as only having 11 interceptions, which was the 4th worst in the NFL. San Diego can also improve at the running back position, since the team was in the bottom ten rushing attacks during last season. Charger running backs only averaged for 4 yards per carry, which was also one of the worst in the league. Although the San Diego Chargers have multiple needs on their roster, the front office only has about $4 million in cap space heading into free agency, making money very tight with this team. During the 2014 free agency period, I'm not expecting the San Diego Chargers to make many signings, despite needs at defensive back and running back. I'm doubting that this free agency period will have a profound affect on the Chargers' 2014 season.
Similar to the Cleveland Browns, the Oakland Raiders are a four-win team that is a cap space powerhouse heading into the free agency period. Unlike the Browns, however, the Raiders have almost no talent on any position, creating multiple directions for Oakland to do with their wealth. The Raiders played poorly in nearly part of the game last season, ranking in the bottom ten teams in total offensive yards, passing yards, points scored, passing yards allowed, and several other major categories. Although there are several positions to improve in this organization, the most logical positions to fill on this team seem to be wide receiver and defensive back. These seem like the most logical signings for the Oakland Raiders because there is both a large need for these players as well as a large amount of talent in these positions in free agency. Oakland is also expected to lose five defensive backs to free agency and retirement this off-season, as well. The Raiders could also improve at the quarterback position, but I'm expecting them to get a quarterback in the NFL Draft. Currently, the Oakland Raiders have over $55 million in cap space, leaving them with more than enough money to solve most of their problems. During the free agency period, I'm expecting the Oakland Raiders to be one of the huge spenders and improve their talent in the secondary and in their receiving corps. If the Raiders can spend their money well, this team could easily double their win total and suddenly become in the playoff hunt.
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